Hundreds of pupils at Testai Primary School in Nakuru County have received new school uniforms from Rachel Ruto, in a move aimed at enhancing learner dignity and improving school attendance.
Mrs. Ruto, who visited the school on Wednesday, said the donation is part of her continued efforts to uplift standards in public schools and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn in a supportive and dignified environment.
Addressing students, parents, and teachers, the First Lady emphasized that safeguarding the well-being of school-going children is a collective responsibility.
“It is our shared duty as Kenyans to ensure that our children live decent lives and have the necessary support to pursue their education,” she said.
She noted that such interventions not only enhance school performance but also encourage higher attendance and retention rates.
Earlier this year, Mrs. Ruto donated shoes to the learners, established a kitchen garden, and introduced a school milk pilot programme to boost pupils’ nutrition. Through the Voice of Children initiative, dozens of schools across the country have benefited from similar programmes aimed at improving nutrition and overall learner welfare.
Among leaders present were Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage Hanna Cheptumo, Rongai MP Paul Chebor, and Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones, among others.
Mrs. Cheptumo warned that the government would take firm action against child molesters and those engaging in female genital mutilation (FGM), urging communities to protect children from harmful practices.
“To all parents, let us take care of our children. Teachers are doing their part; we must also play our role by ensuring they are well-fed and in good health,” she said.
She commended the First Lady for rolling out impactful programmes across different counties under the MaMa Doing Good initiative.
“You are setting a good example. Thank you for the many programmes you have initiated across the country,” she added.
Mr. Chebor proposed that the school be renamed Rachel Ruto Testai Primary School in honour of the First Lady’s support, while Mr. Kones described the initiative as a source of inspiration not only to learners but also to leaders to undertake similar transformative efforts in their communities.
